Universal spring tool

Abstract

A machine is comprised of a tool or device having a generally cylindrical plunger that is retained in a generally cylindrical body. A spring fits inside the body to spring-load the plunger by means of a jam nut or other tensioning device. The plunger has tapped mounting holes with a pilot hole on the compression end for attaching various standard or custom components or attachments. The opposite tension end has a threaded extension also used for attaching devices. The body has a smooth outside diameter with at least one flat running the entire length. Due to the close fit of the plunger and body, the plunger has an axial groove on it upper surface to allow air inside the device to escape for smooth actuation. At least one wrench flat is provided on the plunger to facilitate attachment of details. A clamp is used to restrain the body axially.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A machine having a tool comprising: 
 a body including a first body end, and a second body end;    a plunger operably associated with the body, the plunger including a first plunger end and a second plunger end, the first plunger end having a first means of attachment, and the second plunger end having a second means of attachment; and    a biasing means in operable communication with the plunger.    
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a retracting lock for operably communicating with the body; 
 a first attachment engaged in the hole in the plunger first end; and    a second attachment engaged with the plunger second end.    
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a retracting lock connected to the plunger.  
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1  , wherein the body further has at least one flattened side and an orifice therethrough.  
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a clamp operably associated with the body.  
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a split-clamp mounting block.  
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a clamp having an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one screw for securing the clamp to the body.  
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the plunger has an axial groove.  
     
     
         9 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the plunger has at least one flat side for use when tightening.  
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment means has threads.  
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a second attachment having a threaded hole for receiving.  
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a first attachment having a threaded extension for engaging the plunger first end.  
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one set screw for holding the clamp in place on the body.  
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein at least one attachment is a locating pin.  
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a roller.  
     
     
         16 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor attached to at least one end of the plunger.  
     
     
         17 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a remote actuating cable attached to at least one end of the plunger.  
     
     
         18 . A machine comprising: 
 a) a supporting member;    b) a spring-biased tool mounted to the supporting member including: 
 a body including a first body end, a second body end, and an orifice therethrough;  
 a plunger operably associated with the body, the plunger including a first plunger end and a second plunger end, the first plunger end having a hole therein, and the second plunger end having an extension with threads; and  
 a biasing means in operable communication with the plunger;  
   c) a first attachment connected to the plunger first end; and    d) a second attachment connected to the plunger second end.    
     
     
         19 . A machine comprising: 
 a support member;    a split-block clamp attached to the support member; and    a tool engaged by the clamp including a body having an orifice, a plunger received in the orifice, a spring for biasing the plunger relative to the plunger;    wherein the plunger has at least one end with at least one hole therein.    
     
     
         20 . The machine of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 a removable attachment received by the hole in the plunger; and    a target member operably engaged with the plunger.